Medical Nursing

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the modules delegates should be able to :

• Appreciate the pathophysiology of pain and be able to identify pain in different species using pain scoring methods.
• Explain the different classes of analgesia, including opioids, NSAIDs, local anaesthetics and other agents and their pharmacology and appreciate their different delivery methods for specific patients using the multi-modal approach.
• Pre-emptive analgesia theory and practical approaches to achieving it
• Outline the use of analgesia in medical patients for chronic and palliative use.
• Describe appropriate analgesic agents for the use of CRI, when and how these should be used/monitored and be able to perform a CRI calculation.
• Demonstrate different intravenous catheterisation techniques including central venous catheterisation.
• Be able to place a central venous line

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the module delegates should be able to;

• Discuss how hospital layout affects the running of a clinic in relation to infection control and the importance of specific patient areas on patient recovery.
• Understand how hospital acquired infections are obtained and spread, as well as the different types of infection.
• Distinguish between the terms of disinfection and sterilization and how these techniques are implemented within the hospital setting.
• Gain knowledge of the importance of the appropriate selection and use of medical equipment for specific diagnostic procedures and patient monitoring.
• Explain how to store, maintain and prepare the above equipment.
• Appreciate the importance of hospital Health & Safety.
• Be able to identify potential risks and hazards within the medical setting and have the knowledge of how to reduce these risks.

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the module delegates should be able to;

• Discuss the importance of daily patient assessment and record keeping of the medical patient via charting systems. Be able to outline physical examination techniques and explain their relevance.
• Outline the importance of the specific nursing requirements of inpatients with specific pathophysiology and life stage. Be able to explain the importance of nursing care plans and their use. 
• Obtain knowledge of the role of nutrition in the medical patient, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of both enteral and parenteral administration and how to manage these cases within the clinic.
• Select the appropriate patient preparation technique and positioning required for specific medical procedures.
• Identify medical diseases and procedures that result in an outpatient assessment and the significance of outpatient monitoring.
• Become familiar with identifying medical complications and consolidate your knowledge of how to minimise them.
• Explain the set up and maintenance of endoscopes and when they are most useful as part of a diagnostic work-up
• Appreciate the importance of clinical governance & client communication within the veterinary clinic.

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the module delegates should be able to;

• Explain the different radiographic techniques available, their pros and cons and uses in specific situations
• Evaluate radiographic image quality to ensure diagnostic radiographs are available for interpretation and improve your basic film reading, identifying radiographic artefacts and faults.
• Revise contrast studies, becoming familiar with their use and the specific equipment required to perform them
• Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging and be familiar with how to set up and maintain the ultrasound machine and probes
• Identify specific equipment and materials required for ultrasound-guided procedures
• Employ the principles of FAST scanning to triage emergency cases
• Review advanced imaging (CT/MRI and scintigraphy) and their uses in diagnosis and monitoring medical cases

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the modules delegates should be able to;

• Discuss the biology of cancer and paraneoplastic disease
• Describe the principles, challenges and ethics of cancer treatment in dogs and cats
• Outline the options for local management of tumours including surgery and radiation therapy
• Explain how systemic management of tumours can be achieved through chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy
• Select appropriate diagnostic methods for the investigation and management of: Lymphoma; mast cell tumours; bone tumours; splenic tumours; oral tumours and selected other common tumours
• Familiarise yourself with specific feline tumours
• Identify and understand oncological emergencies
• Evaluate the unique challenges of starting an oncology clinic - practicalities of administering chemotherapy and management of clients
• Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of drug safety, staff and owner protection

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the module delegates should be able to;

• Appreciate clinical assessment and how it that can be used to narrow down location of a respiratory problem
• Explain the typical presentations, treatment and follow up required for a variety of respiratory diseases in small animal practice including feline asthma/bronchitis, chronic canine bronchitis, lungworm, pneumonia and nasal disease.
• Discuss the common signs of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disease and logical approaches to investigating the underlying causes
• Describe the most common gastrointestinal diseases and how to treat and/or manage them successfully.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of liver disease in the cat and dog
• Compare pancreatitis in cats and dogs in relation to presentation and treatment options
• Recognise the importance of the classification of chronic kidney disease in relation to management and monitoring
• Become familiar with the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring challenges of a variety of endocrine diseases including those associated with the pancreas, adrenal and thyroid glands.

Key Learning Objectives

At the end of the module delegates should be able to;

• Appreciate the challenges involved in getting the best out of laboratory tests including sampling methods and test selection
• Describe a general approach to all poisoning cases including what resources are available, what diagnostic tests may help and how to treat common toxicities
• Discuss rational drug use– consider how we protect antibiotic use, other considerations in therapeutic trials in medicine cases and monitoring for side effects
• Consider traditional UK infectious diseases - how they are diagnosed, managed and treatment options
• Become familiar with infectious diseases new to the UK and discuss the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions
• Describe how antibody testing can be useful in vaccination protocols
• Be familiar with WSAVA vaccination guidelines